The UAE-based Arab Youth Center (AYC) announced the foundation of the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change (AYCCC), a regional platform that shed lights on environmental matters, supports Arab strategies related to the environment and climate change, and contributes to empowering leaders and young creators that would convoy the COPE 28 Summit hosted by the UAE in 2022.
AYC will launch the Council in cooperation with several key partners, including the Arab League, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), the Office of the UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, and many Arab institutions from the private sector.
The launch comes amid a growing Arab and global interest in the efforts aimed at coping with climate change on the official, institutional, and media levels.
AYCCC has outlined several strategic goals, including equipping young Arabs with the skills required to face the challenges posed by climate change, and representing their voices at Arab and international environmental events, state news agency WAM reported.
The work of the Council, whose session lasts for two years, will cover six areas including optimal natural resources and water management, clean and renewable energy, circular economy, agriculture and food security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, and adaptation to climate change.
For his part, Dr. Abdullah Al Nuaimi, cabinet member and minister of climate change and environment, said: "Launching AYCCC would contribute to the creation of a comprehensive Arab model that focuses on climate problems, enhances efforts to mitigate the causes of climate change, and improve the capacities of all sectors to cope with its repercussions in the region."
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, said: "The UAE supports the young generation which plays a key role in shaping the future. The launch of the council is a strategic step that enhances the participation of young people and promotes their effective role in the climate-related efforts."
Shamma Al Mazrui added: "Climate change has become a serious challenge affecting our future. It is threatening food and water security, and negatively affecting quality of life in cities and communities. As the interest of young people in pressing issues increases, AYC – under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan – responded by launching AYCCC to achieve a quantum leap in Arab youth’s engagement with environmental issues."
United Nations Resident Coordinator for the UAE, Dr. Dena Assaf, praised the newly formed Council, saying "We foresee that AYCCC can have a leading role at the regional level, and thus an ability to influence the new generation of Arab youth, who will be the leaders of tomorrow. This initiative can support putting climate change at the core of national agendas of governments in this vital region of the world."
Around 40% of young people say they are ready to adopt sustainable behaviors that can protect and preserve the environment and contribute to mitigating the causes of climate change, especially if these behaviors become easier to embrace.
